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Effects of Guided Discovery and Project-Based Teaching Methods on Students’ Academic Performance and Interest in Intermediate Science

Umoetuk, Emmanuel Usoudo, UmoAbasi, Etimbuk Andrew, Sunday, Edima Sylvanus

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of guided discovery and project-based teaching methods on academic performance and interest of Intermediate Science students in Uyo Local Government Area. Two research questions and corresponding hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study was conducted in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, with a population of 2457 Junior Secondary School II. Quasi-experimental pretest posttest design was adopted. One hundred (100) JSS II students in their intact classes were drawn from two randomly selected secondary schools in the population as sample for the study. Intermediate Science Performance Test and Students Interest Questionnaire were instruments used for data collection. The instruments were validated by experts for appropriateness, relevance and clarity. The reliability coefficient was analyzed using Kuder- Richardson formula 20 and Cronbach Alpha coefficient, and reliability coefficients of 0.89 and 0.78 were obtained for both instruments. The data obtained were collated, coded and analyzed using Mean and standard deviation and independent t-test statistics and tested for significance at 0.05 probability level. The results revealed that: a significant difference exists in the mean scores of Intermediate Science students taught using guided discovery and project-based teaching methods in favor of the guided discovery teaching method; and there is no significant difference in the mean interest scores of Intermediate Science students taught using guided discovery and project-based teaching methods, It was therefore recommended among others that teachers should incorporate the use of guided discovery teaching method in teaching as it will enhances students’ academic performance and interest through active participation.

Keywords

Guided DiscoveryProject-basedAcademic performanceStudents’ interestIntermediate Science

References

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